Meet Our Crew
Jock Veenstra
Director & Skipper
Jock began his career as a boat builder, learning his trade in the shipyards of Rotterdam. Bringing his trade back to Australia, he built the largest ships to travel the River Murray including the “Murray Princess”.
Jock started the business in 1967 as Director of the company. Jock has now passed the operations mantle to his son Michael, keeping the family business thriving. Jock is a wealth of knowledge in the industry and what he enjoys most about his role, is chatting and working with people from all over the world while on board our tours.
Experience - Lifetime Murray Masters Certificate, MED 3, Marine Engineer Driver (steam) and Master (to 24 meters NC).
Michael Veenstra
Director & Skipper
Michael is 3rd generation River Murray Captain and has been working in the business since 1992. Michael is the Director along side his father Jock and skippers “Spirit of the Murray” and “Spirit of the Coorong”.
Michael ran the slipway for 30 years building and repairing boats, including the construction of our vessels, ‘Spirit of the Coorong’ and more exclusively the building of ‘Spirit of the Murray’.
Surprising Fact: Michael lived on board the ‘Captain Sturt” Paddle Steamer for the first 18 years of his life.
Joel Hirsch
General Manager & Skipper
Joel loves the diversity of his role, from developing new tours, to skippering the boats & guiding through truly magical places. Joel also enjoy the feeling of being a part of a small family owned business & sharing experiences and knowledge with passengers from all around the world. Joel obtained an Eco-Tourism degree from Flinders Uni and has worked in the tourism industry for 20+ years in a variety of jobs; from Tasmanian bush walking companies, to farm stay experiences, to educational tourism. Joel has had a very pro-active role in tourism & marketing, including the executive board of the “Tourism Industry Council of South Australia -TiCSA’ & a judge for the South Australian Tourism Awards.
Surprising Fact: Joel’s beard holds all the secrets to the Coorong National Park!
Kirk Mustart
Skipper
Kirk has been lucky enough to spend most of his working career on the southern ocean in the fishing industry. Charter fishing, Scale fishing, Crabbing and Cray-Fishing to just name a few. He’s loaded with local fishing knowledge and information.
Avid lover of our beautiful state, ocean and wildlife.
In his spare time you will find him out catching some of our amazing local seafood from the beach or boat and camping on a secluded beach.
Favourit Spot on the Fleurieu: The Pages Islands!
Jesse Wall
Skipper
Born and raised in Goolwa, South Australia. With almost 20 years of experience in the industry and a Certification III in Marine Mechanics, Jesse is proud to be a part of this coastal community. In addition to his work as a Marine Mechanic, he’s recently become a skipper for The Big Duck Boat Tours & now with Spirit of the Coorong.
Beyond the workshop and the sea, you can find him in the waves surfing, fishing, and camping in the great outdoors. He’s not just passionate about the marine environment; but also has a strong love for football.
Alicia Wollaston
Ecology Co-ordinator & Crew
Alicia is finishing up studies at Flinders University in a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology & Palaeontology. Alicia has been fortunate enough to experience some incredible field trips - from turtle conservation in the Maldives to excavating fossils at Wellington caves (NSW). Alicia absolutely love’s working for Spirit of the Coorong, every day on the water brings new surprises. She enjoys having a chat to visitors from all corners of the world and believes talking to people about our environment is the first step to helping it.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: Raywood Nursery in Deep Creek during Autumn and Winter- seeing the change of seasons is absolutely incredible and Rapid Bay beach during the summer- best spot for a snorkel and kayak!
Meropi Hirsch
Reservations & Crew
Meropi or Mez started working in the reservations team in 2022, since then her passion for the tourism sector has grown. Mez has a strong customer service and hospitality background, but what she loves most about her role, is getting to work in an ever-changing industry and growing her wildlife and environmental knowledge of our Fleurieu Peninsula.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: The Coorong, especially through Autumn.
Kalahni Bissi
Crew
Currently in her final year of Marine Biology at Flinders University, Kalahni brings a strong passion for the ocean to every tour. With a background in sailing and boating, she's right at home on the water — especially when it comes to exploring the unique ecosystems of the Coorong. Kalahni is particularly interested in marine conservation and shark ecology, and hopes to pursue further studies in these fields. Whether she’s spotting wildlife or chatting with guests from around the world, Kalahni loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the marine environment.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: Deep Creek National Park!
Eva O’Callaghan
Crew & Reservations
Eva grew up on the coast and has always felt a deep connection with the ocean. Currently studying a Bachelor of Marine and Wildlife Conservation at Adelaide University, Eva has had the opportunity to take part in dive tours around Australia and Timor-Leste, and continues to explore new marine environments. Eva loves sharing her passion for the ocean and coastal ecosystems with guests, and finds joy in learning more about the wildlife of the Fleurieu Peninsula. When she’s not on board, you’ll likely find her snorkeling or paddle boarding somewhere along our stunning southern coast.
Favourite Spot on the Fleurieu: Snorkeling Second Valley and Rapid Bay
Sarah Mudge
Reservations, Administration & Crew
After working in medical based jobs for over 12 years, Sarah made the leap to Tourism at the end of 2024 and is loving it! Sarah enjoys bringing some happiness into someone’s day, and finds it refreshing to talk to people who are excited about their experience here on the Fleurieu.
Sarah is enjoying the chance to expand her knowledge on our slice of paradise, learning about our wildlife and hidden gems, then being able to share this with her young family. Sarah spends her free time outdoors with her kids, or cooking up a storm.
Surprising Fact: Sarah played water polo! and won 2 championships!
Josh Seidel
Catering
Josh joined the team towards the end of 2024, and has taken on the role of catering our vessels. Josh has extensive experience in cooking and catering for larger groups, and once owned a local deli in the Goolwa main street.
These days you’ll find Josh preparing the onboard lunches and morning/afternoon teas each day, while also making time for new ideas and how we can grow our culinary offerings to our guests.
Anika Wollaston
Crew
Anika is a passionate wildlife & marine enthusiast who is currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) from Flinders University. With extensive experience workingvolunteering in wildlife projects, Anika brings a wealth of animal & Ocean knowledge and a deep respect for the natural world to every tour she supports.
Anika’s goal is to help people forge lasting connections with the creatures and ecosystems that make the Coorong and southern coastline so special.
When she’s not on the water or in the field, you’ll likely find her caring for her own pets or planning her next wildlife adventure.
Surprising fact: She can identify almost any South Australian native plant… and a fair few weeds too – try her!
Connie Griffiths
Crew
Connie has a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation and Biology and Environmental Science degree.
Connie brings a strong environmental ethic and a practical skillset to our guiding team. Whether she’s out in the field collecting data or leading groups through coastal habitats, Connie thrives on creating opportunities for people to connect with the natural world.
She’s worked everywhere from Queensland strawberry farms to the organic café scene of Port Elliot, always with an eye for sustainability and community. Now, she channels her love for coastal ecology and conservation into guiding, where her calm energy and curiosity help bring the Coorong and Fleurieu Peninsula to life.
In her downtime, Connie loves surfing, camping and chasing new adventures outdoors.
Elise Lavers
Crew
Elise has a background in teaching & environmental education, with over a decade of experience leading outdoor programs across SA. She holds qualifications in outdoor recreation, bushwalking leadership, and coxswain operations, and has worked in a wide range of settings from marine wildlife tours to cultural retreats and kayaking expeditions.
Passionate about helping people reconnect with nature, Elise loves guiding guests through the Coorong and sharing her deep respect for Ngarrindjeri Country. She believes that through storytelling, sensory experience, and connection to place, we foster stronger custodianship of our landscapes.
Surprising fact: Elise believes the best kind of therapy is a campfire, a starlit sky, and someone to pass you the marshmallows.
Uncle Mark Koolmatrie
Kool Tours Cultural Guide
Mark is the owner and lead guide of Ngarrindjeri-owned business Kool Tours, and proudly collaborates with Spirit of the Coorong to deliver our flagship Full-Day Coorong Experience.
A journey through the Coorong with Mark is a truly powerful experience. His deep connection to Ngarrindjeri Country, storytelling, and cultural knowledge brings a unique richness to our tours—interweaving first nations wisdom with the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Kurangk (Coorong).
Guests leave with not only a greater appreciation for this special place but a deeper understanding of the living culture and enduring custodianship of the Ngarrindjeri people.
Uncle Laurie Agius
Kool Tours Cultural Guide
Laurie is a proud Ngarrindjeri man & an integral part of the Kool Tours team. Working with his mentor, Mark Koolmatrie, Laurie brings song, dance, and deep cultural knowledge to our Full-Day Coorong Experience.
With a vibrant and engaging presence, Laurie shares stories of Country through performance and spoken word—offering guests an unforgettable and immersive experience of the Coorong. His contributions help connect travellers to the living culture of the Ngarrindjeri people, honouring the traditions, spirituality, and enduring custodianship of the Kurangk.
Laurie’s passion shines through every tour, enriching each journey with authenticity, warmth, and a strong sense of place.
Our History
A family owned business operating water-based tourism for over 50-years & 4-generations. We’ve been cruising into the Coorong since 1967 on our very first vessel the ‘M.V. Aroona’. A selection of our vessels over the years can be found above & if you interested to learn about the incredible history of the ‘Veenstra Family’ & their boat-building/tourism dynasty see the book below:
A remarkable story of Dutch-born shipbuilder Keith Veenstra who came to Australia in 1951, with wife, Miep, and two-year old son, Jock. From humble beginnings began a dynasty that now spans generations & over 50 years of cruising.
Our Vessels
SPIRIT OF THE COORONG
Built in 1998 Spirit of the Coorong is 14m long, powered by twin Yamaha 250hp outboard engines giving a service speed of ~20 knots. Toilet equipped with seating for up to 50 passengers.
SPIRIT OF THE MURRAY
Built in 2005 Spirit of the Murray is a 20m long, 6m wide Catamaran. Built from balsa wood & fibreglass. Powered by twin inboard diesel motors, seating for up to 50 passengers internally + rooftop deck.
M.V MARANUI
Fully Restored 1897 Fantail Launch, M.V Maranui is a wooden tiller boat, seating up to 12 passengers.
Awards & Accreditations
